The Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina are acquiring TB2 drones from the Turkish manufacturer Bayraktar.
Rumors about BiH’s interest in the Bayraktar drone appeared already in May of this year, when several delegations visited the manufacturer’s factory.
The value of the contract was not announced, nor was its full scope, such as the possible weapons systems the drones would be equipped with.
However, Helez explained that in addition to unmanned systems (UAS), three ground stations will be acquired. In addition, two teams from the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina are already in Turkey for training. The start of delivery is planned for January 2025, writes Hartpunkt.de.
The TB2 is a medium-altitude and long-range drone from Istanbul-based Baykar Technologies and was introduced to the Turkish Armed Forces in 2016.
With a length of 6.5 m, a wingspan of 12 m and a maximum take-off weight of 650 kg, it is a medium-range tactical drone and can be used in both reconnaissance and armed roles.
According to the manufacturer, the load capacity of sensors and weapons is 150 kg.
The manufacturer states a maximum speed of 220 km/h, and a maximum flight time of about 27 hours. The radio range of the ground control station is up to 150 km.
Along with the ability to perform missions partially or fully autonomously, the TB2 offers a broad mission profile.
Recently, some neighboring countries also opted for this system. Both Romania and Kosovo acquired TB2 last year. Direct neighbor Serbia, with whom there have been repeated tensions since the conflict in the Balkans in the 1990s, also has a growing fleet of combat drones in the same category as the TB2 in the form of the Chinese CH-92.